Ili Car Sharing Tour Price Full Guide to Nalati and Sayram Lake Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quote.
Star Recommendation✨:In-depth Carpool Tour of Ili’s Grasslands and Lakes: 7-Day Panoramic Itinerary of Nalati + Sayram Lake
I. Key Highlights of the Itinerary: Double Relaxation of Grasslands and Lakes
Summer in the Ili River Valley is a poem written by snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes. This carpool itinerary centers around “grasslands + lakes,” connecting three classic northern Xinjiang landscapes: Nalati空中草原 (Nalati Alpine Grassland), Sayram Lake’s circular route, and Kalajun Human Body Grassland. It also incorporates niche experiences like Yining’s cultural streets and the Guozigou Bridge, with daily driving limited to under 4 hours—ideal for family trips, couples’ travel, or photography enthusiasts.
II. Latest Simple Itinerary for 2026 (7 Days, 6 Nights)
Day 1:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (~520 km, 6-hour drive)
Key Focus:Arrive in the afternoon for a counterclockwise lake tour, visiting Moon Bay, Hydrophilic Beach, and the General’s Platform. Watch the sunset at Sayram Lake and stay overnight in a homestay near Guozigou.
Tips:Sayram Lake admission: 145 RMB/person (includes circular sightseeing). No restaurants inside the scenic area; bring snacks.
Day 2:Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining (~180 km, 3-hour drive)
Star Recommendation✨: In-depth Carpool Tour of Ili’s Grasslands and Lakes: 7-Day Panoramic Itinerary of Nalati + Sayram LakeKey Focus:Capture morning mist at Sayram Lake at dawn, traverse the Guozigou Bridge in the morning, and explore Yining’s Kazanqi Folk Village in the afternoon. Try handmade ice cream from local ethnic groups and stay overnight at a hotel in downtown Yining.
Tips:Kazanqi Folk Village offers free entry. Its colorful doors and windows are perfect for photos. Recommend trying ice cream from the century-old “Gulandam” shop.
Day 3:Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes Bagua City (~200 km, 4-hour drive)
Key Focus:Spend the day at Kalajun Grassland: visit Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace in the morning, photograph the Human Body Grassland’s light and shadows in the afternoon, and ascend Tekes Bagua City’s observation deck at dusk. Stay overnight at a boutique homestay in Tekes.
Tips:Kalajun admission: 140 RMB/person (includes shuttle bus). Best time to photograph the Human Body Grassland: 6:00–8:00 PM.
Day 4:Tekes → Qiongkushatai Ancient Village → Nalati Town (~280 km, 5-hour drive)
Key Focus:Explore Qiongkushatai’s primitive village in the morning and hike 2 km along an ancient trail. Drive to Nalati Town in the afternoon, stroll through nearby grasslands at dusk, and stay overnight at a boutique homestay in Nalati Town.
Tips:Qiongkushatai offers free entry, but its roads are rugged; a 4WD vehicle is recommended. Nalati Town has diverse dining options; try horse meat naan and baked stuffed buns.
I. Key Highlights of the Itinerary: Double Relaxation of Grasslands and LakesDay 5:Full-Day In-Depth Tour of Nalati (Core Day)
Key Focus:Enjoy Nalati Grassland all day: visit Alpine Grassland (Nomadic Family, Heavenly Terrace) in the morning and River Valley Grassland (Panlong Valley, Woertajiao Tower) in the afternoon. Self-drive visitors can head directly to Snow Lotus Valley. Stay overnight in Nalati Town.
Tips:Nalati admission: 95 RMB/person; shuttle bus: 135 RMB/person; self-drive pass: 200 RMB/person (requires advance reservation). Bring a windbreaker due to large temperature variations between day and night.
Day 6:Nalati → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Urumqi (~500 km, 7-hour drive)
Key Focus:Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway in the morning, visiting the Hashilegen Pass snow wall and the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery. Return to Urumqi in the afternoon and stay overnight at a downtown hotel.
Tips:The Duku Highway is typically open from June to October; daily access hours depend on traffic authorities. No gas stations en route; refuel in Nalati Town.
Day 7:Free Day in Urumqi → Departure
Key Focus:Visit the International Bazaar or Xinjiang Museum in the morning. Depart in the afternoon based on your flight/train schedule.
Summer in the Ili River Valley is a poem written by snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes. This carpool itinerary centers around “grasslands + lakes,” connecting three classic northern Xinjiang landscapes: Nalati Alpine Grassland, Sayram Lake’s circular route, and Kalajun Human Body Grassland. It also incorporates niche experiences like Yining’s cultural streets and the Guozigou Bridge, with daily driving limited to under 4 hours—ideal for family trips, couples’ travel, or photography enthusiasts.Tips:Prices at the bazaar vary; compare options before purchasing. The museum requires advance reservation and offers free entry.
III. 2026 Price Reference (6-Person Carpool Group)
Base Price Range:4,500–5,200 RMB/person (includes in-Xinjiang transportation, fuel, tolls, double-occupancy accommodations, first-entry scenic area tickets, driver/guide services, and travel insurance)
Price Adjustment Notes:
Accommodation Upgrade:Choosing high-end homestays in Nalati Town or RV campsites at Sayram Lake adds 800–1,200 RMB/person.
Seasonal Impact:Prices rise 10–15% during peak season (July–August); early-bird discounts apply for June or September travel.
Self-Paid Items:Horseback riding, astrophotography, and folk home visits inside scenic areas cost an estimated 500–800 RMB/person.
Note:Prices are confirmed by contract and may fluctuate based on departure date and accommodation standards. Inquire about availability 30 days in advance.
II. Latest Simple Itinerary for 2026 (7 Days, 6 Nights)IV. How to Book
Book through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for detailed itineraries and pricing.
V. Fee Inclusions and Service Standards
Inclusions:In-Xinjiang transportation (fuel, tolls), 6 nights of double-occupancy accommodations (breakfast included), first-entry scenic area tickets, driver/guide services, and travel insurance.
Exclusions:Round-trip transportation to Urumqi, self-paid items inside scenic areas, single-room supplements (efforts will be made to arrange roommates; consult for single-occupancy rates), and personal expenses.
Service Standards:No forced shopping; relaxed itinerary with daily driving under 7 hours. The guide monitors road conditions and scenic area policies in real time. Reasonable itinerary changes are allowed by mutual consent.
Important Notice:Details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Read contract terms carefully before travel.
VI. Pre-Trip Checklist
Day 1: Urumqi → Sayram Lake (~520 km, 6-hour drive)Documents:Valid ID, small amount of cash.
Clothing:Short sleeves, light jacket, windbreaker, comfortable sneakers, sunglasses, sun hat.
Medications:Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, mosquito repellent.
Others:Moisturizing skincare, power bank, insulated cup, foldable umbrella.
VII. Special Reminders
Traffic Policies:Duku Highway access hours depend on traffic authorities; substitute with Tangbula百里画廊 (Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery) if restricted.
Scenic Area Reservations:Nalati self-drive passes require 3-day advance reservation; Sayram Lake circular sightseeing tickets can be purchased on-site.
Cultural Respect:Obtain consent before photographing ethnic compatriots. Avoid trampling grass or disturbing livestock on grasslands.
Summer in Ili means sheep herds racing across grasslands, evening breezes by Sayram Lake, and fleeting seasons along the Duku Highway. This carpool itinerary embraces “small-group slow travel,” avoiding crowded checkpoints to delve into grassland interiors and lake secrets, turning every stop into a dialogue with nature.
Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quote.
